Longhorn Beetle Study Update
Since January 6th our black panel traps have been deployed to catch Longhorn Beetles. But it was not until two weeks ago on March 4 that we finally got some visitors! We had a total of 166 beetles that week. With the abundance being the Banded Ash Borer (Neoclytus caprea). These were seen in almost all 17 of our beetle traps. The Banded Ash Borer is native to North America and can be found across the United States, expect for near the Pacific Coast. This species feeds on sapwood of Ash and sometimes Hickory or Oak. Which is how they got their name, from this host plant, the ash tree. They are most active during March and June which would explain why we see so many of them in our traps. The word “banded” is used to describe the distinct banded pattern on the back of their elytra and abdomen. Which makes it easy to tell this beetle apart from others.
Upon the next week of March, the week of the 10th, we began to see more of a variety of species. With the Banded Ash Borer being the most predominant species collected again we had a new species join them this week. The Grapevine Phymatode (Phymatodes amoenus) is a small beetle and is a mix of orange and black. The Latin word “amoenus” means pleasant and charming which can be used to describe this species. They are mostly seen during the months of April and June. However, given the couple of weeks of spring weather we have received I guess some of them wanted to come out earlier. They are found only in the eastern United States. Their host plant consists of any species within the genus Vitis, which are grapevines. Hence their common name Grapevine Phymatode.
This is a year long study and we are just getting started! Check back in next month to see if we’ve found any new species.
